Glenn Sebright, spokesman for the fire service, says they must at least consider this new approach -- because so many Londoners own smart phones and use social media.

“In effect, it would irresponsible of us not to look at how we might need to respond to incidents that are reported by members of the public using Twitter or using other forms of social media,” says Sebright.

Many questions will have to be answered: Will the public fully trust Twitter to convey such a vital message as “My house is on fire!” Don’t people need the reassurance of a voice at the other end of the line?

Supporters of the new approach point to the past: When Britain’s emergency phone services -- the equivalent of 911 -- were set up in 1935 many skeptics said the system would never work.

And yet today these services handle 30 million emergency calls a year.

Stephen Beard

Based in London, Stephen Beard reports for the entire Marketplace portfolio providing daily coverage of Europe’s business and economic developments.

When asked what he most enjoys about his work, he answers simply, “Travel.” Over the past two years, he produced a series of...